Tips for Getting Around in Las Vegas

You've made it to McCarran airport, picked up your luggage and are officially ready to start your vacation in sin city. Be careful which form of transportation you choose. You could be broke by the time you get to your destination if you do not plan ahead and follow a few simple steps.

First, when you arrive at the airport take a shuttle to your hotel. For around $11.00 it will take you directly to your hotel and pick you up on the day of your departure. There are taxi stands at the airport, but most include a long line and fees that range from $8 to $18, depending on where you are staying on or off the strip. The shuttle is fast, easy and the driver knows exactly where to drop you off when you're ready to catch your flight back to reality.

If you've made it to the hotel and decide you want to explore the strip a little, there are a few ways to go about it. First, check to see if your hotel offers any type of tram, train, or moving walk way to any neighboring properties. Places such as the Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, and Tropicana all have ways of commuting to each of these four locations. Do your research. If there is a free tram running from the hotel next door to one further away, save your money. Walk next door and jump on the free transportation. Every little bit helps when you're on a Vegas vacation.

Another great way to travel in Las Vegas is by monorail. Las Vegas has been installing a giant monorail system that makes stops all along the strip. The price is a little high at $3 per person, one way, but it is super fast. One thing to consider is the overall price of your entire party for riding the monorail one way. If you are traveling with 4 people, it's probably a better idea to just get a cab depending on where you are going.

Ride the bus. The buses in Vegas, known as the Deuce can be caught at various places on the strip. The price is $2 one way or $5 for an all day pass. If you don't mind waiting for transportation then this is definitely a great way to see travel in Las Vegas.

If you're not worried about taking your time then see Las Vegas by foot. The strip is huge and seems deceivingly small when looked at from your hotel room window. Before venturing out in 110 degree heat, know that these casinos are overwhelmingly large. They take up acres of space and may seem like they are side by side, but those small distances quickly turn into country miles when taken on by foot.

The main thing to know when you travel in Las Vegas is to do research. Get a map of the city and calculate how much cab fare should cost you from point A to point B. Don't get into the taxi saying that this is your first time in the city and you have no idea how to get anywhere. Some taxi drivers are nicer than others. The majority are friendly and extremely accommodating, but there are a few who will take you on a never ending joy ride.